There is one good thing about chemotherapy. It is the Look Good Feel Better program. Fun. A time to share. Like Christmas. It is a two-hour appointment with a cosmetologist in a small group of women who have cancer.

I had participated in a program five years ago when I was in radiation treatment for breast cancer. That appointment was at MD Anderson on Indian School near Kaseman. This session was at the Rust Cancer Center and was equally as good as the one five years ago. We are each given a cosmetic bag full of cosmetics that matches our skin tones. The bags come sealed and ready for us. At our places we each have a mirror and cosmetic wipes.

Opening the bag is like Christmas. My bag had Chanel powder, lipstick and blush. Clinique foundation, Estee Lauder face cream and eye makeup, IT brow powder and a set of brushes, body lotion and sun screen. Pure joy.

Our instructor walks us through the steps of taking care of our face during cancer treatment. She used me to demonstrate for our group. I was not well. My energy level was non-existent. Yet, I looked forward to this and enjoyed every minute.

I came home with a cosmetic bag full of expensive goodies and a big smile on my face. I’m still bald. I’m still weak. But I had a good moment. A happy moment that will repeat itself every time I use any of the cosmetics in my cosmetic bag full of goodies.

The Look Good Feel Better program started 30 years ago. A doctor asked the president of the Personal Care Products Council how he would arrange to have a makeover for a cancer patient who refused to come out of her room because she felt she look horrible. Cosmetics and a cosmetologist transformed her look and her outlook.

With such profound results, the idea was presented to the Personal Care Products Council membership, the nation’s cosmetic industry leaders, who immediately offered funding and cosmetics. The American Cancer Society joined the effort as did the Professional Beauty Association. Today Look Good Feel Better is offered in every state in the union including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

The program is offered once a month at the Rust Cancer Center and it is offered at most cancer centers in Albuquerque. It is well worth the time and energy to go.

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As I was recovering from my hip replacement, my RA doc thought it might be time to try the biologic Actemra. It worked for me before hip issue. It was time to do it again. But, she said, first we needed to check out the change in my uterus that was noted on my hip MRI.

She ordered an ultrasound of my uterus that included a vaginal probe (didn’t know they could do it.) Actually, she handed me the probe and told me to put it in. I did it.

Results showed a thickened uterus consistent with tamoxifen use. It also showed a mass.

Next stop was the GYN doc who thought it was a polyp not cancer since there was no bleeding.

Next stop was outpatient surgery of a D&C and biopsy. She was optimistic.

The results weren’t good. It is sometimes called Uterine Serous carcinoma, or uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC), or serous adenocarcinoma. It is easily googled just writing serous cancer.My doc said she didn’t know much about this cancer. She referred me to a GYN oncology surgeon who I saw in three days. In the meantime, I googled it. And it scared me,

Serous cancer is a rare, subset of endometrial cancer that is aggressive and carries a poor prognosis. It is erratic in its behavior similar to that of ovarian cancer.

I am in the lose hair stage of carboplatin/taxol first infusion. Not as bad as I thought it would be,

So here I am, back in the world of cancer. I was expecting it, but not expecting it. Hope I can be of some use to my fellow cancer travelers.

After a few days of sunny mild days, cold, rainy, cloudy days have replaced them. We need the rain as we always do especially now with trees and bushes waking from their winter slumber. I planted these tulips last Fall. They are beauties and brighten the gloomy day.

Now is time for a little break. Our CSN just completed its 6th Annual Living with and Beyond Cancer Conference. I love this conference and recall when I first attended it as a two time cancer survivor. For me, it was a port in the storm. Now I feel privileged to be on the planning committee which becomes active in the October before the conference.

The conference is a full day. It is for cancer survivors, caregivers and professionals. It is free and it includes breakfast and lunch. Our keynote speaker was Gail Rubin, author of A GoodGoodbye: Funeral Planning for those Who Don’t Plan to Die. Excellent. Other topics included mind/body health, lymphedema, hospice, medical cannabis, sacredness in healing and more. Join us next year.

If you would like to be on CSN’s mailing list, email me: marymann@comcast.net.

Vial of Life

Tanya R. Lattin, NREMT-P/FC is a nationally registered paramedic and fire commander for the Corrales Fire Department. She has been active with the fire department for 20 years and has been involved in Emergency Medical Medicine for many of those years.

In this breakout session Tanya will cover a number of issues involving medical communications and hints to make your experience with the fire department, ambulance service, or the hospital emergency room more efficient and easier for everyone.

She will cover such things a carrying some important papers with you and present The Vial (or File) of Life, what information is needed to complete it, and how to display it. She will discuss EMS, DNR and MOST orders. Information on choosing home or hospital hospice will be discussed

In this world of smart phones, Fitbits and Jawbones, Tanya will discuss the ICE concept and how to apply it as well as other available options like lock boxes for keys. This session will leave everyone better prepared to face their future!

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express is excited to announce that our promotion inviting seniors age 62+ to ride free on Wednesdays is back this summer!

From July through September, all Wednesday trains after 8 a.m. will be free for seniors, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to explore locations in Santa Fe and Albuquerque using public transportation.

How It Works:

Every Wednesday during the months of July, August and September, seniors age 62+ can ride any north or southbound train for free after 8 a.m. Just show the onboard Ticket Agent your valid photo ID (must contain your birth date). If you are planning on making a connection to an ABQ RIDE, Santa Fe Trails or Rio Metro bus, ask your Ticket Agent to print out a free bus transfer slip.

Cancer Support Now’s

PEER-FACILITATED SUPPORT GROUPS

For contact information and details on support groups, please call the

Helpline Telephone: 505-255-0405, toll free 855-955-3500

New groups which have transitioned over from PLTC as of April 2016 are marked with an asterisk,*.

5/2016

Advanced Diagnosis Group *

1st and 3rd Tuesday at 1:00PM

NE Heights

Blood Cancer Group *

For those dealing with a blood or lymphatic cancer

2nd and 4th Tuesday, 1:00-2:30PM

North Valley

Breast Cancer Group *

Every Wednesday 6:00-7:30PM

NE Heights

Coloring & Creativity *

All cancers, survivors and caregivers

TBA

Friends and Family Writing Together

Journaling Support Group for Grief or Anticipatory Grief

Every Thursday, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

UNM Cancer Center

Isleta Cancer Education and Support

2nd Tuesday of the month, 10:30-Noon

Isleta Health Clinic

Late Afternoon Breast Cancer Group

Every other Wednesday, 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Carlisle and Comanche

LGBT Group *

All diagnoses, cancer survivors

1st and 3rd Tuesday, 6:00-7:30PM

NE Heights

North Valley Women’s Group

Every other Thursday night, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

North Valley

One-on-One Cancer Caregiver Session

One time, 90-minute Session: Resources & Support for Cancer Caregivers

Scheduled individually to accommodate the needs of the caregiver

Call Patricia at 505-307-3414

One on One Peer Cancer Support

Survivors or caregivers

Call our Helpline at 505-255-0405 or Toll Free at 855-955-3500

Seven days a week, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

One-on-one Peer matching

Available through Helpline at 505-255-0405 or Toll Free at 855-955-3500

Matching with a phone buddy who has dealt with a similar diagnosis and/or challenges

Ovarian Open Arms

Third Saturday of the month, 10:30 AM

Covenant Presbyterian Church

NE Heights

Relaxation Support Classes

Open to cancer survivors and their loved ones

Call Jean Stouffer, certified hypnotherapist, 296-8423

For location, dates, time, and to register

Sandia Breast Cancer Group

1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM

Sandia Base: Sandia Employees Only

Santa Fe Breast Cancer Group, “Surviving Sisters” *

2nd and 4th Tuesday, 4:00-5:30PM

Santa Fe

Survivors Writing Together

Journaling Support Group

Every Monday, 2:30-4:00 PM

UNM Cancer Center

Taos Support Groups *

Survivors (all cancers) Tuesdays, 5:00-6:30PM

Caregivers (all cancers) Mondays, 5:00-6:30PM

Sipapu St, Taos

Thyroid Cancer Group *

2nd Tuesday of the month, 6:30PM

North Valley

Prostate Cancer Support Association of New Mexico

It is an affiliated support group with CSN. Support group meetings are held 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, meetings at Bear Canyon Senior Center. Office at 2533 Virginia St, NE Suite C Albuquerque, NM 87110www.pcsanm.org (505)254-7784 Email pchelp@pcsanm.org

Did you miss Laughter Yoga at the Conference? Or perhaps you would like to do it again?

Laughter Yoga led by Barbara Carroon, certified laughter yoga instructor, is offered at Cancer Support Now’s Fourth Saturday Support Group April 23, 2016 11am Adelante in Albuquerque. Call Patricia Torn at 307-3414 or email her at ptorn@comcast.net to let her know you are attending. Open to all caregivers and survivors.

Directions to Adelante 3900 Osuna NE: Take San Mateo exit off I-25. Head west on Osuna. 3/10’s mile west of Jefferson (there is a McDonalds at the se corner of Jefferson and Osuna), on south side of Osuna, turn south on Gluton which runs the along west side of Adelante. First place you can turn left takes you into the west side parking lot of Adelante. Located on first floor. Do not go to the Big doors main entrance. To the right of those doors enter through the first small door in the middle of the building on west side.

“Wake at dawn with a winged heart and be thankful for another day of loving.”

In January of 2014 I had radiation treatment for breast cancer. Every day I would drive across town to MD Anderson Presbyterian for my treatment. As the treatment progressed, I was unable to attend my Tai Chi class. I still remember my wait time in my patient gown with fellow cancer patients with fondness. It was there I heard the personal stories of cancer and I finished my treatment with an even stronger conviction of the beauty of the human spirit.

Next I had the radiation treatment for my thyroid cancer. The diet, the thyrogen shots, the radioactive swallow, the isolation, the inflamed salivary glands. Now all done.

Next I signed up for The Family Retreat sponsored by the Cancer Services of New mexico. I received the application. My oncologist, Dr Bernard Agbemadzo, signed off on it. I mailed it in not expecting to be approved. I was approved. I am in the second picture on their web home page.

The Family retreat is a three-day event full of information for those with cancer and their families. It is held twice a year Spring and Fall at the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North Hotel. All meals, hotel rooms and events are free. It is truly a wonderful event. Visit their website to learn more. Cancer Services New Mexico web site

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Tiny, energetic. Warm eyes and welcoming smile. That is my first impression of Sandy Ginsburg. She is President of Cancer Support Now, a grass roots cancer survivor organization that believes no one has to go through cancer alone whether as a survivor or caregiver, whatever their needs may be. As CSN’s leader she lives this core belief every single day.

I met Sandy for a leisurely summer lunch at the Indigo Crow in Corrales. We see each other at board meetings and committee meetings. It was nice to have her all to myself with no distractions.

A surprise to me, Sandy was a reporter for many years. She worked for the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, based in Washington, D C. She also worked for the Institute for Social Research which is the world’s largest academic social science survey and research organization at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

In New Mexico, she worked for Dr. Hal Rhodes, chairman of the Political Science Department at UNM. She was involved in establishing the New Mexico Coalition for Literacy with First Lady Kathy Carruthers. She has managed the NM Arts and Crafts Fair and has been involved in the Wheels Museum.

She is married to Ron. Her daughter Sarah is a lawyer and her grandson, Mark, is well loved.

Sandy is no stranger to cancer. She was first treated for breast cancer when she was 47. She completed her treatment and thought she was done. Breast cancer appeared in her other breast at age 50. Realizing that cancer wasn’t just going away after treatment, she pursued all the things we do when we are trying to optimize our health. Three years later another cancer appeared in a lymph node that was missed during her second cancer treatment. At this juncture, she came to the conclusion that all the things she did to help her body stay healthy were not working. She changed gears. Determined to enjoy her life, she stopped pushing, lives normally, and is happy.

She was treated for a brain tumor in 2002. Cured, she says. She is currently being treated for a ten-year-old Leukemia(CML) and for a three-year-old bladder cancer. Sandy amazes me. She is the leader of our group and she is always there. Strong, smiling, good natured. She is a role model for me. She is a role model for all of us who have crossed paths with cancer.

Sandy joined People Living Through Cancer as a committee member. PLTC was founded by Catherine Logan-Carrillo as a local cancer support community. Seeing the value in PLTC, Sandy became deeply involved as a board member and then as president. When Catherine retired from PLTC and later started Cancer Support Now, Sandy joined her. Sandy is current president.

She had said her strengths were in networking, bringing people together and organization. Having seen her in action for the last year, she is right.

Sandy attends many local events and keeps connected with her many contacts. Frequently, at committee meetings she will include a new person with interesting insights that will contribute helpful information.

Yesterday’s board meeting is characteristic of Sandy’s organization. We had a written agenda. Members present have assignments or are on active committees. Each was asked for progress. Meetings are informal. There is ample time for discussion. Still the agenda is covered and at the end of the meeting we know where our organization stands and what we need to do next. She’s an excellent community leader.

I asked her why she gives so much of her time to the community. She said her family has a history of community involvement and it was automatic that she should too. Simple as that.

I instantly liked Eleanor when I met her. She pays attention to you when you are speaking to her. She cares, is thoughtful and helpful.

She manages the Cancer Support Now Helpline which is available seven days a week for those in the community who need answers to questions about their or a family member’s cancer. She is available 9 am to 9 pm 7 days a week by calling: 505-255-0405 or 855-955-3500. This is what she told me about her work with the helpline:

“I refer callers, whether caregivers or patient/survivors to groups, or to one on one support or when neither seems appropriate I provide support to them in the moment, and on an ongoing basis, and whenever they need, sometimes for years.

Though cancer issues are what prompts someone to make the first call, supporting them becomes whatever they need…whether its referrals to other providers, or ongoing emotional support…about cancer but also about anything.

There are some people who need support but ask me to please call them regularly, rather than initiating the call themselves, and I’m happy to do that.

I support people on hospice and people who have a loved one on hospice, and I continue to support people who have lost a loved one to cancer for as long as they need, sometimes years.

Cancer often brings up issues of PTSD because new trauma tends to reawaken old trauma. I have experience with PTSD and often support people who are working through it. I have referred some with PTSD to counseling, though I continue to support them as well.

I love this work.”

It is easy to see that she does love her work. Beyond her work at the Helpline she has so much to her credit.

She has written and illustrated over 30 published children’s books. When Mama Wore A Hat was distributed free to cancer treatment centers across the country by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. It is now distributed free by Cancer Services of New Mexico in every child’s gift bag made available to all adults treated with cancer who have children in their lives.

She was a professional dancer in a NYC company.

She loves to write. She believes,”writing allows us to follow a train of thought to completion in a way that expresses an inner wisdom that isn’t available in normal conversation.”

For 10 years, she was a Writer in Residence in the Rio Grande Writing Project at UNM, a local site of the National Writing Project.

She has been a community support for many writers. She has given author talks in Children Literature classes at UNM. She has done the same in many elementary schools around the city.

Her writing experience spawned the idea of writing support groups for cancer survivors and for caregivers. She and Anjie Cureton developed the two ongoing writing support groups at UNM Cancer Center. They each meet once a week: Journaling Support Group,(caregiver, 255-0405) and Survivors Writing Together (255-0405).

Eleanor wisdom:

“I believe that cancer, even with its traumas and losses, gives us each the chance to connect with a higher wisdom in ourselves if we do the work, and if we reach out for support in it.”

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Woman, friend, mother, RN, photographer, gardener, writer, researcher, observer, swimmer. Pretty much the same as everyone else with my own little twist to things. RA, and three cancers and counting. Life is good despite the obstacles. It's worth the ride just to see the infinite variations of the human spirit.

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Woman, friend, mother, RN, photographer, gardener, writer, researcher, observer, swimmer. Pretty much the same as everyone else with my own little twist to things. RA, and three cancers and counting. Life is good despite the obstacles. It's worth the ride just to see the infinite variations of the human spirit.